“After profiling the type of coach I wanted for our team and going through an interview process with several good candidates, I believe that Jared Bednar is the best person to lead this team behind the bench,” the team website quoted Executive Vice President/General Manager Joe Sakic as saying.

“My family and I are thrilled to be heading to Denver to begin this new challenge,” the website quoted Bednar as saying. “I feel ready for this role with the Avalanche.”

Bednar, who also won ECHL's Kelly Cup as head coach of South Carolina Stingrays, owns 251-158-42 (.603) record as head coach #Avs

Roy, who helped the Avalanche win two Stanley Cup championships as a goalie, returned to the organization as coach in the 2013-14 season. The team went 52-22-8 and made the playoffs, but were bounced in the first round by the Minnesota Wild in seven games.

The past two seasons have been a struggle, with the Avalanche missing the playoffs and going a combined 78-80-16.